Pretoria - Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Deputy Minister Obed Bapela has called on South Africans to be proud of their heritage.
The Deputy Minister said this on Friday during Heritage Month celebrations at Lesedi Cultural Village in the Madibeng Local Municipality in the North West.
“Some cultures and traditions have been suppressed for many years by... colonialisation… Communities are encouraged to join hands with government and Amakhosi (chiefs) to ensure that these sites become an important part of their history and traditions. Amakhosi, as the custodians of traditional sites, have to do more to protect these key sites in our areas and encourage communities to know them,” said the Deputy Minister.
The celebration was also attended by, among others, COGTA Minister Des Van Rooyen, the Deputy Chair of the National House of Traditional Leaders, Nkosi Mahlangu, and a number of Amakhosi representing a wide range of tribal councils, and learners from nearby schools. Nkosi Mahlangu urged youth to familiarise themselves with indigenous knowledge.
The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs also encouraged South Africans to practise their respective cultural beliefs with respect to fellow countrymen. - SAnews.gov.za
